For The Guys: How To Lock Down A First Date

8 helpful strategies for guys who want dinner and drinks with their dream girl.

Earlier this week, Telegraph newspaper ran an article in which they listed nine tips for men to secure a first date, including "learn to dance," and "be patient." In a real mind-twist, the article also suggested men "ignore all dating tips they find online." Better advice would have been to ignore dumb dating tips online, not all dating tips online. Men don't need to learn to two-step to secure a first date, but there are some helpful strategies that can actually go a long way in making that first step—asking a woman out—more successful. After the jump, eight ways a men can score a first date (no dance class required!). The Frisky: What Are Your "Rules" For Dating?

1. Have a plan!I can't tell you how much it sucks when a guy says, "Wanna go out sometime?" and doesn't follow that up with some possible date suggestions. Make it easy for us to say "yes!" Get two tickets to an event you think we may enjoy or make reservations at a hot new restaurant. You don't have to spend a lot of money, but a little thought is necessary. Invite us ice skating while the (free) rink's still open and bring along a thermos of hot chocolate and some mini-marshmallows. It's those little details we women like so much that will help you secure not only a first date, but a second and third. The Frisky: 7 Things To Remember Before A First Date2. Have fresh breath.Asking us out with bad breath is a sure-fire way to get a big "no."3. Make sure we're single.Are we wearing an engagement or wedding ring? Is there a man on our arm? Have we used the term "my boyfriend" in your presence? Then don't waste your time! Sticking to women you know are available (ask us if you aren't sure!) will yield you far better results! The Frisky: Bad Date Behavior

4. Be direct.I can't tell you how many times my girlfriends and I have found ourselves out with a guy and we don't know if we're on a date-date or if we're just spending one-on-one time with a platonic friend. Don't leave it ambiguous. Don't trick us into going out with you. If you want someone to help you shop for something to wear to your job interview, ask your sister! If you want someone to go on a date with, ask if you can take us to dinner. The Frisky: MERRMe, A New Web Comedy About Online Dating